Hair loss occurs as a result of a variety of factors in Covid. Androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, and Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss, are both known to be linked to Covid infection, but Telogen Effluvium, a condition in which hair sheds excessively or goes into a resting phase for an extended period of time, is the most common symptom.

Inflammatory cytokines secreted by the covid infection have been shown to impact hair follicle matrix cells, affecting the growth phase. Inflammation and cell death are also caused by the microthrombi that develop during the infection. The infection causes a coagulation issue, which results in an obstruction of blood supply to the hair follicle.

Anticoagulants, azithromycin, and hydroxychloroquine, all of which are used to treat Covid infection, can cause telogen effluvium. In addition, psychological stress, anxiety, and fear-induced by the infection, quarantine, which can result in the loss of family members, financial troubles, difficulty to sleep, and regular hair washing for hygiene reasons all contribute to hair loss and telogen effluvium.